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Accidental Poisoning Can Be Prevented

St. Louis County

Whether an infant or a senior, it doesn't matter the age - poisoning is the leading cause of injury-related death.

Local experts are reminding Kentuckians of ways to respond to and prevent poisonings.

Alysha Behrman with the Drug and Poison Information Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center says 90 percent of all poisonings occur in the home, and it's crucial to act fast.

"If there are no symptoms initially, call the poison control center where we can ask questions," she says. "We can find out what happened and then give medical advice over the phone. The majority of our exposure calls are actually managed at home and do not require emergency medical care."

But if the person is unconscious or having a seizure, Behrman says to seek medical help immediately by calling the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. The Kentucky Regional Poison Control Center received more than 64,000 calls last year.

Behrman says most poisonings involve children under five years old, and include exposure to cosmetics, household cleaners and pain medications. She adds there are signs that indicate a child was exposed to something dangerous.

"Sometimes you'll notice they're drooling excessively. They might have redness around their mouth, they might be crying, they're acting more tired than normal," says Behrman. "If they're acting more excitable or have more energy than normal, any of those could be indications."

Behrman says adults account for most poison-related deaths, mainly due to the misuse or overuse of drugs or medications.

"Take and give medications safely, always read the label and always follow directions," she says. "Only give medications with the lights on, and with glasses on if needed, to make sure you can see the label and dose appropriately."

She stresses that medications, cleaning products and outdoor chemicals should be kept out of the reach of children. In particular, she says never mix chemical products because it could create a poisonous gas.